Canadian Government Renews Push to Criminalize Quoting Bible’s ‘Hatred’

Canada’s Liberal Party government has renewed its alarming push to criminalize quoting Bible verses by stripping religious protections so that “offenders” can be charged for “willfully promoting hatred” under the nation’s expanding “hate speech” laws.

The Canadian government is once again pushing legislation that critics warn could outlaw quoting certain passages of Scripture, despite widespread public backlash.

Bill C-9 was introduced under globalist Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government.

When the controversial legislation was first introduced last year, it ignited major concerns that the government was moving to further suppress free speech and religious freedoms.

Nevertheless, the bill returned to the Justice Committee agenda this week.

The bill would amend existing criminal code provisions governing “willfully promoting hatred,” eliminating protections that have historically shielded religious expression when made in good faith.

Conservative MP Andrew Lawton has emerged as one of the bill’s most vocal opponents.

Earlier this month, he tabled a petition signed by thousands of Canadians urging the government to withdraw the legislation.

“I am proud to rise on behalf of Canadians, including in my own constituency, who are alarmed by what the government is doing through Bill C-9 – a bill that they claim will protect communities from hate, but in actuality exposes faith communities to harm from the government for daring to express their faith and quote religious texts,” Lawton told the House of Commons.

He continued:

“The petitioners are very concerned by this infringement on religious liberty, which were aggravated, of course, by comments from the minister for Canadian Identity and Culture, arguing that there should be prosecution for citing certain religious texts.

“So petitioners are calling on the government to withdraw Bill C-9 and focus on upholding freedom of expression and freedom of religion.”

WATCH:

Bill C-9 is back on the agenda for tomorrow's Justice Committee meeting.

I have heard from thousands of Canadians concerned about how this bill infringes on freedom of expression and religious freedom.

I was proud to table a petition on their behalf earlier this month. pic.twitter.com/Moy0Anfier

— Andrew Lawton (@AndrewLawton) February 22, 2026

Minister Sparks Firestorm Over Scripture Comments

Lawton referenced remarks made last October by Liberal MP Marc Miller during Justice Committee discussions.

Miller questioned whether citing certain biblical passages could qualify as “good faith” speech under Canadian law.

He even claimed that some passages in the Bible “are clearly hateful.”

“In Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Romans – there’s other passages – there’s clear hatred towards, for example, homosexuals,” Miller said.

“I don’t understand how the concept of good faith can be invoked if someone were literally invoking a passage from, in this case, the Bible – there are other religious texts that say the same thing – and somehow say that this is good faith.”

He added:

“Clearly, there are situations in these texts where these statements are hateful.

“They should not be used to invoke, be a defense, and there should perhaps be discretion for prosecutors to press charges.

“I just want to understand what your notion of good faith is in this context where there are clearly passages in religious texts that are clearly hateful.”

Although Miller later denied that he intends to prohibit religious texts, critics argue his comments reveal the government’s underlying approach, one that could allow prosecutors to pursue charges based on the content of Scripture itself.

Proposed Amendment Fails to Reassure Critics

In response to mounting backlash, Liberal MP Patricia Lattanzio introduced an amendment intended to clarify that Bill C-9 would not criminalize worship, prayer, sermons, religious education, peaceful debate, good-faith reading of religious texts, or statements on matters of public interest, provided they do not “willfully promote hatred.”

However, Lawton pointed out during Tuesday’s committee meeting that government legal counsel acknowledged the amendment largely “maintains the status quo” and does not meaningfully address the concerns being raised.

The fact that the Liberals felt compelled to propose an amendment at all reflects the intensity of opposition from churches, pastors, and faith communities nationwide.

Broader Concerns About Prosecutorial Power

Legal observers warn that Bill C-9 goes beyond rhetorical concerns.

As summarized recently by Paul Carter in The Gospel Coalition, one major change would eliminate the requirement that a provincial attorney general sign off before hate crime charges are laid.

That safeguard has historically acted as a check against politically motivated or frivolous prosecutions.

Under the proposed changes:

   • Local law enforcement could pursue complaints without high-level approval.

   • Private citizens could initiate complaints.

   • Churches and pastors could face costly legal proceedings even if convictions are unlikely.

The chilling effect alone could be enough to deter clergy and believers from publicly expressing traditional religious views on sexuality and other cultural issues.

A Country Already Testing Limits

The controversy unfolds in a political climate where debates over speech, gender ideology, and religious freedom are intensifying.

Opponents of Bill C-9 point to recent cases involving financial penalties and professional discipline tied to speech on controversial issues as evidence that expanded “hate speech” enforcement could further restrict public expression.

Supporters of the bill argue it is necessary to combat discrimination and protect vulnerable communities.

But critics warn that once religious protections are weakened, the line between preventing violence and policing theology becomes dangerously thin.

For many Canadians, the question is whether quoting Scripture, even passages that run counter to prevailing cultural norms, should risk criminal prosecution.

That debate is now squarely before Parliament.

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